The ultimate ranking of Nashville margaritas
We tried them all so you don’t have to
Sure Nashville has some great food, but what we should all be talking about is the Nashville drinking scene. BBQ and Whiskey isn’t all Music City has to offer. There is some great Mexican food all around the city and along with chips and queso comes the 8th Wonder of the World: Margaritas.
Tequila shots are great and all but Margaritas have that special something that fills happy hour with delight, blended or on the rocks.
I took some friends along on a journey to find the best Nashville Margaritas for Vanderbilt students to try.
Rosepepper
“This tastes like a Tequila smoothie.” – Kelsie Smith (senior)
We started off in East Nashville, sitting on a beaded, red patio. Since this restaurant’s margaritas are commonly ranked as Nashville’s best, we decided to get two choices: the Casa Margarita on the rocks and the Tropical Margarita with strawberries. Both choices are fairly expensive but with happy hour, the total was $14 for the both of them, plus our whole group was enamored with the amazing quality of the tequila.
The house margarita was so well blended that it looked like water and felt like silk going down, whereas the fruit blend was done with real, thick, and fresh fruit which made it more of a treat than a drink in the best way.
Saint Anejo
“So this is a just a tequila shot then.” – Andrianna Yeatts (senior)
Such a hip and mature vibe in this restaurant/bar in The Gulch. The bartender recommended the Casa Perfecta as the best margarita choice, and while the quality of this one was equally as good as Rosepepper’s, the kick was sour and strong. The drink itself was pretty tiny and fairly expensive at $10, but my oh my, this is a bang for your buck type of situation.
Two of these will get you drunk without a doubt. A good investment if you can hang with the best of them.
Taqueria del Sol
“Pretty much exactly what you’d expect for a decent margarita.” – Andrianna Yeatts
While the line is always out the door, you can go straight up to the bar to either just drink or to have something to sip while you wait to order food. These margaritas are pretty averagely priced at $6.50 and their taste is pretty much the equivalent.
It’s a nice, decently strong blend. You will think it’s good and enjoy the drink, but it’s nothing to write home about. It’s the most traditional of the choices for sure.
Chuy’s
“I didn’t know this was possible.” – Kelsie Smith
This was like being greeted by an old friend with a warm embrace. Chuy’s happy hour has $5 margaritas and free queso, plus we discovered that for the frozen choice of strawberry, mango, or lime, you could actually do a swirl with all three for no extra cost.
Plus, you can pay on the Commodore Card and feel like you’re not spending real money. Chuy’s is close, quick, and home to Vandy students and their margaritas are fun-filled and not to be underestimated.
Final Ratings:
“The house margarita at Rosepepper was the clear winner for me. Super smooth. High quality ingredients.” – Andrianna Yeatts
“Rosepepper’s are the best, but Chuy’s will always be bae.” – Kelsie Smith
“Rosepepper reigns triumphant.” -Madagan Riley